Senior HR Business Partner (AWDO-P14945) in Coventry)

The organisation is looking for an excellent Senior HR Business Partner to play a key role in shaping and supporting its ongoing HR transformation. As the Senior HR Business Partner, you will work in partnership with leaders to deliver a positive, impactful HR service that supports organisational priorities, people plans and long-term strategic objectives.

The role will involve leading HR Business Partners, overseeing complex employee relations casework, supporting organisational change, improving recruitment and retention activity, using HR data to inform action planning and coaching leaders to manage people effectively. The Senior HR Business Partner role will suit a confident, values‑led HR professional with strong business acumen, excellent communication skills and the ability to influence, advise and build trusted relationships. Experience in education or an academic environment would be desirable.

DUTIES

• Lead and develop HR Business Partners to deliver HR plans, maximise expertise, drive performance and enhance the employee experience.
• Oversee complex casework, use conflict resolution strategies, manage risk and support statutory compliance while maintaining a positive culture.
• Implement initiatives and talent pipelines that support workforce planning, recruitment, retention and career pathways.
• Support organisational change, advising leaders and employees through periods of transformation aligned to improvement plans.
• Mentor and coach managers and leaders to improve leadership skills, decision‑making and confidence in managing people.
• Keep ahead of legislative and regulatory changes, promote fair practice and influence positive outcomes for stakeholders.
• Foster a positive organisational culture with a strong sense of belonging, improving job satisfaction, productivity and retention.
• Use HR data to identify trends, assess HR programmes and recommend targeted actions to improve efficiency and engagement.
• Take responsibility for organisation‑wide HR projects that support service improvement and organisational development.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent experience.
• CIPD qualified at Level 7 or above.
• Full driving licence and own transport.
• Previous experience in an HR Business Partner or HR management position.
• Experience leading and developing a team.
• Proven track record of partnering with leadership teams to align HR strategy with organisational objectives.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to develop cost‑effective HR solutions.
• Ability to provide advice and targeted actions across recruitment and retention, absence management, performance management, learning and development and employee engagement.
• Ability to coach and develop senior leaders and managers to improve leadership and people management skills.
• Expertise in employee relations, conflict resolution and complex HR issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex HR concepts clearly.
• Understanding of safeguarding in educational settings, data protection, confidentiality, equal pay, job evaluation and TUPE.
• Ability to prioritise work, meet strict deadlines, maintain accuracy and work calmly under pressure.

DESIRABLE

• A relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Experience working in HR within education or an academic environment.
• Experience working across multiple organisational sites.

BENEFITS

• Competitive rates of pay.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Career pathways across the Trust.
• Teacher / Local Authority Pension Scheme.
• Online retail discount.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Family Friendly policies to support family & carer commitments.
• Flexible Working Arrangements.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and Social Media check.